Ohio’s new concealed carry law goes into effect Monday
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (June 9, 2022) – Qualifying Ohioans will soon be able to carry a concealed firearm without a permit but doing so in certain places will remain off-limits.
The state’s new law allowing those 21 and older and not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm to carry a hidden one goes into effect Monday. However, Sheriff Orvis Campbell says you still won’t be able to bring a gun into the Tuscarawas County Courthouse Complex, law enforcement agencies, schools, correctional facilities, and some private businesses.
“You are also prohibited in any of those federal government buildings or any government building that posts it. The sheriff’s office, you’re not allowed to carry it here. Even my staff members who have a CCW permit who are not law enforcement officers are not permitted to carry a gun here at the sheriff’s office.”
The sheriff’s office will continue to issue concealed carry permits, which people will need if they’re traveling to states that require one. For those only planning to carry in Ohio, a permit and the training that comes with it will be optional, although Campell says going through the process can be beneficial if you don’t have much experience handling firearms.
“Because when you carry a firearm, there’s a lot of responsibility for it and your intentions aren’t necessarily going to protect you. Meaning, if you act and you intended well but your bullet goes astray and hurts someone, you’re still going to be held liable for that bullet, possibly criminally and financially, so there’s a lot to take into consideration when you’re talking about carrying a weapon, and it’s not a decision that should be made lightly.”
The new law also eliminates the duty to inform law enforcement officers that you’re carrying a concealed handgun unless they ask you. Campbell says the requirements will remain unchanged for transporting rifles and shotguns, which must be stored unloaded and away from any ammunition in your trunk or a compartment that you can’t access without getting out of your vehicle.